LAWMEN have arrested two suspects, one of them was wounded in a shootout, and seized some P3.4 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in Zamboanga Peninsula, officials said Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Bryan Babang, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the arrested suspects through their aliases as Al, 31, of Cavite, and Al Ha, 32, a resident of Quezon City.
Babang did not reveal who among the two arrested suspects were wounded in a shootout.
Babang said the suspects were arrested following a chase and shootout around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday in the boundary of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Licomo village, Zamboanga City.
The transaction during the buy-bust was supposed to take place in Veterans Village, Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Babang said the suspects, during the transaction, have sensed the presence of other operating teams in the area and sped off toward the highway bound for Zamboanga City.
He said the operating teams launched a hot pursuit operation and upon reaching the boundary of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City, the suspects’ vehicle was flagged down, which resulted in a brief exchange of gunfire.
The two suspects were subsequently arrested, while one sustained injuries and was immediately provided medical attention.
Babang said seized from the suspects were some 500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P3.4 million, a Sports Utility Vehicle, a mobile phone, one caliber .45 pistol, several non-drug items, and the buy-bust money.
The suspects will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The anti-drug operation was launched by PDEA operatives with the support of the police units and Army’s 106th Infantry Battalion. (SunStar Zamboanga)